The elephant seal breeding season at Año Nuevo State Park, about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, is one of the Bay Area's great winter wildlife trips. Guided walks are the only way in during the season, and reservations are available now.
The basics
- Dates: daily Dec. 15, 2026, through March 31, 2027, except Dec. 25 and Jan. 31–Feb. 1
- Price: $7 plus a $3.99 reservation fee; children 4 and under free. Parking is a separate $10 vehicle day-use fee.
- Group size: 15 people per walk
- Length: 3 to 4 miles over sand dunes, about 2.5 hours, rain or shine
- Booking: through ReserveCalifornia
What to bring
State Parks recommends hooded rain gear, a warm jacket, layers, sturdy shoes and water. Umbrellas and food are not allowed on the walk, strollers can only go as far as the staging area, and pets are not allowed in the park. Visitors must stay 25 feet from the seals.
Why go
Up to 10,000 elephant seals return to Año Nuevo each year to breed, give birth and molt. State Parks also confirmed the first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in northern elephant seals in California earlier this year, so follow staff instructions closely.